'Pull the Plug'

Yesterday there was an article published about naturalist Christ Packham saying that "Conservationists should 'pull the plug' on giant pandas and let them die out." He believes that we should spend our conservation money on animals that have a better chance of survival.

I've always wondered how people who believe that we have just evolved from lower life forms can care so much about saving endangered species. It's just natural selection in action, right? I don't agree with it, but here I finally see someone taking their stance to it's logical conclusions. Unfortunately, if he continues to take it further- we're next.

If we as humans are just evolved from monkeys (and pandas and whatever), what would health care look like if we applied Packham's opinion? With his reasoning we wouldn't waste our time treating older people- we would use those resources for those with a "better chance." If that's not scary or freaky, listen to what else Packham says:

"I reckon we should pull the plug. Let them go, with a degree of dignity ..."

Sounds like what proponents of euthanasia have to say...but that's another debate. It'll be interesting to see where the future takes us in regards to health care...

Pathos

Here is an appeal to pathos in a life insurance ad. The cute little hand in the safety of the big hand makes the reader think about their family and want to provide for their safety, as the ad would hope- through life insurance.

A Nascar Ad

Here is a Shell television advertisement with NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick speeding through suburbia in a street car, running on, presumably, Shell fuel.

Ethos: By showcasing Harvick, Shell establishes credibility. Harvick knows cars and what's good for them; he races them for a living. His presence tells people, "If it's good enough for this Daytona 500 winner, it's good enough for you."

Logos: At one point, Harvick turns to his lab coat-clad passenger and asks, "How'd the testing go?" The passenger makes Shell's appeal to logos, stating that cheaper gasolines leave behind engine gunk. This is support for Shell's claim that it is a superior gasoline.

"We Thank You"

This song was written by my friend's dad in honor of all the men and women serving in our Armed Forces.

Assignment #1: Visual Argument

Here is an ad for Hebrew National hot dogs agruing that Hebrew National uses quality products for its hot dogs. It complements and humorously supports the slogan "No Ifs, Ands or Butts."

The ad, a part of a campaign to appeal to not just those eating kosher but also those looking for healthier, safer and higher quality items, created a convincing argument. Sales went up and Hebrew National eclipsed Oscar Mayer as the #2 all-beef hot dog brand.